Zappos Blogs: travel tips

1) You’re stuck in the security line with the TSA agent telling you he needs to open your suitcase, and you wish you hadn’t just shoved everything in there.

2) All your stuff fit when you departed, but when you pack everything to go home, they somehow don’t fit anymore. Or you just can’t seem find your toothbrush or underwear when you unpack.

3) You get to your destination with a suitcase full of wrinkled clothes and/or spilled toiletries—causing you to spend precious vacation time cleaning and ironing.

If so, check out this helpful video from our friends at Eagle Creek! With a few handy travel essentials, packing for a 10-day trip becomes less of a chore. Your stuff stays nice and organized, leaving you with less to worry about during your travels.

Packing for a trip, whether it 's a quick weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, calls for a bit of organization and planning. A lot of people tend to overpack for trips and end up having to pay for that extra weight at check in. The mantra for easier travel is to pack light. Easier said than done right? Well, here are some handy packing tips and tricks to make sure you don’t end up packing everything but the kitchen sink:

1. Make a list and check it twice: Jotting down what to pack before you start packing will keep you organized and focused, not to mention prevent you from forgetting the essentials!

2. Check before you pack: Cut down on bulky items such as hairdryers, beach towels and robes by checking with your hotel or wherever you’re staying to see if they have these items available for you to use.

3. Roll it up! : You’ll be amazed how much less space clothes take up in a suitcase when you roll them tightly rather than folding and stacking. Another great space-saving method is using one of those vacuum seal bags. This also helps you separate your clothing (e.g. tops, bottoms, layering pieces etc.)

4. Check the weather forecast: Only pack clothing you will actually use. This sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s really important if you’re aiming to pack lighter. If you bring a jacket, don’t pack it, wear it in the plane. As for shoes, keep it to two pairs; wear one and pack one. For trips over one week, plan to wash your clothes rather than packing for every single day.

5. Two words: travel-sized: Downsize your toiletries whenever possible. We’re talking travel-sized toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and anything else that comes in 3.4 oz. (100mL) or smaller. You can also get empty travel-sized toiletry bottles that you can fill with your favorite products.

Choosing travel clothing involves more taking something to wear to the business meeting or beach. Selecting clothing for a trip involves where you are going, what you are going to do and how long you will be gone. Take fabric content into consideration for comfort and care and think ahead about local customs for foreign travel. Choosing the right clothing makes for an easier and more memorable trip.

Step 1 - Select clothing that is comfortable to wear. This includes shirts and tops that are long enough cover your skin without excessive adjustment and slacks or skirts with waistbands that do not bind.

Step 2 - Choose clothing made from wrinkle-free fabric, especially if you must go directly from the airport to a meeting. Whereas natural fibers might breathe more, they also wrinkle easily. Another plus is that wrinkle-free fabric is easy to launder, should a garment require it while you're away from home.

Step 3 - Buy separates that mix and match. Two pair of solid colored slacks and several matching tops offer a wide choice of outfits yet take up much less space in luggage.

Step 4 - Select colors and patterns that hide stains. Dark blue slacks and a paisley top will hide a spot or stain better than white slacks and tops.

Step 5 - Choose clothing that can be layered. A sweater or jacket worn with a shirt can be donned or removed to adjust for temperature.

Step 6 - Choose shoes that are comfortable for the plane. Low heeled shoes that can be easily slipped off and on makes going through security easier. They can also be removed once you're seated on the plane.

Step 7 - Choose clothes that can be dressed up or down with accessories. For instance, a pair of slacks and top can be dressed up with a lightweight shawl, a strand of pearls and a pair of heels.

TipsSelecting clothing without metal decoration will speed your way up through security.

WarningIf you are traveling overseas, check with your travel agent for appropriate clothing for your country of destination. Some tourist sites have strict regulations about what can and cannot be worn.

A journey over the river and through the woods doesn't mean you have to haul a caravan of luggage with you. Before you try to stuff your kitchen sink into your luggage, consider packing just a few versatile things. By dressing in layers and only packing a handful of travel-friendly items, your baggage will be less burdensome, and your weary back will thank you.

No-Iron ShirtsNever has there been a more travel-friendly invention than the no-iron shirt. These Oxford-style shirts are produced by dozens of manufacturers and designed from traditional to curvy with various sleeve lengths. Even if your no-iron shirt comes out of the suitcase with a wrinkle here or there, a couple of hours on a hanger will take the creases right out--no iron needed.

Zip-Off PantsSometimes called "convertible" or "two-in-one" pants, these casual trousers feature a zipper just above the knee. It wraps around the circumference of the leg so pants convert to shorts with a simple zip. Even though zip-off pants have always had a hiker look to them, new designs are more tailored with less conspicuous zippers.

Waterproof JacketJackets made from lightweight waterproof fabric are invaluable. Look for something with a mesh lining. The mesh keeps you warm in chilly temperatures and allows air circulation when it's warmer. Zipper vents along the underarms or back are ideal, as well as inner and outer pockets and a hood that stows away in the collar.

FootwearPacking shoes is tricky, especially if you have various events to attend that require different dress codes. At the very least, pack a pair of black loafers and a pair of trail sneakers. Black loafers come in versatile designs that can be both dressy and business casual at the same time. Trail sneakers are good for urban treks and bushwhacking alike with their durable soles, breathable fabrics and water-resistant uppers.

StorageBring one or two totes to carry your belongings in. While a backpack might be good for a day of sightseeing, it isn't appropriate for a night at the theater. Check your itinerary and your outfits to see what works best.